A A A A BigBigBigBig ThankThankThankThank YouYouYouYou GoesGoesGoesGoes ToToToTo————Jim and Nancy Block for hosting our Christmas Party once again this year! On

December 3rd club members descended onto Frog Creek Town Hall near Minong, not only to “meet to eat”, but also greet, drive, ride, converse and generally celebrate the end of another year. Mary Ruth Marks and her friend made a brief appearance to pick up her beloved Arabian mare from the Dahlbergs, who had her for the summer, and then did a turn-and-burn back to So. Wisconsin. There were 5 carriages in all, and the Blocks gave rides to the horseless. During the meeting, elections were briefly discussed and it was decided that current club officers would serve their 3rd term, with the exception of president Candy Hankins. In that position, Candy suggested she switch with current VP Janet Martens, and it looks as though we have a new president--congratulations Janet! Afterwards, Nancy led some games, with the winners receiving a prize and first in line for the buffet, and the story sharing commenced well on into the evening. The New Year, as always, begins with our annual Sleigh and Cutter Rally on January 14th, which means everything starts all over. Meet, drive, eat, repeat. --Thank you, Jim and Nan, also to Connie and Candy for these photos.

December 2016December 2016December 2016December 2016 Someone thinks this a great stocking stuffer…

DecemberDecemberDecemberDecember DrivinDrivinDrivinDrivingggg ClinicClinicClinicClinic PHIL ODDEN--Else and I want to offer a horsemanship and driving clinic on our farm on December 29 and 30, 2016.You can find the full information on the clinic if you follow this link to our website below. http://www.norskwoodworks.com/christmas-horsemanship-driving-clinic/ Our intention is to offer a safe, comfortable, supportive space and to learn horsemanship and driving skills while enjoying our horses and one another. If we have snow, we might be able to do some sleighing as well. Please let your driving friends, or friends that may be interested in driving, know about our clinic. This is the first in a series of driving and horsemanship clinics we plan to offer in the coming year. Thanks, Phil and Else nww@centurytel.net Another item of interest that Phil and Else are hosting is their tour to Norway. Check out their website or call them at 715 468 2780. Jim and Nancy Block went on this tour a few years ago and say it was truly outstanding.

Guess Who??Guess Who??Guess Who??Guess Who??

The photo below, submitted by Janet Martens, begs for a positive I.D. Does anyone know? A charter member, perhaps?

Liz and Larry Petersen--We are getting used to not having horses. It is strange and perhaps one day we will decide we must have one again. For the time being though, worrying about water tubs freezing is a thing of the past. We remain in contact with the horses and Sue and Kevin, the new owners are enjoying them a great deal. Sue is a great match for Jasper and she is teaching him some ridden dressage also. We hope to attend the sleigh Rally and join in the camaraderie. Wishing you all a Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year!

NeverNeverNeverNever StopStopStopStop LearningLearningLearningLearning Here is something to do on a winter's eve.The link below is that from Iowa Valley Carriage website's "Educationa Articlesl" page. Myrna Rhinehart has loaded it with advice and tips that she and Chad learned over the years. There are well over 15 PDF files with subjects including bits and bitting, harness types, training, safety tips, trail and ring etiquette, driving aprons and hints on proper turnouts. As Myrna told me, “I wrote them all, with the exception of copying the Pyramid of Training from the USDF website, which is why it is not on my letterhead. I have one more article in process right now about vehicle selection.” Thank you, Myrna, for sharing your knowledge in such a clear and easy-to-read way! Check it out: http://www.iowavalleycarriage.com/content/educational-articles-0

For Sale by ReneeFor Sale by ReneeFor Sale by ReneeFor Sale by Renee JimisonJimisonJimisonJimison HORSE-DRAWN VEHICLES 6 -PASSENGER WAGONETTE -5th WHEEL Great condition! Metal box; Burgundy with black trim. Canadian-made, but no label. Front wheels are 35" and rear wheels are 44". Detachable pole for hauling ease. Also has pair of shafts for one horse use; which are 80" long Asking $1500.00 4 PASSENGER AUTO SURRY-5thWHEEL It's in pristine condition! Also comes with pair of carriage lamps, rear storage trunk. Purchased in Columbus, Wi. Pole length is 105". Single horse shafts are76" long Front wheels are 34" and rear wheels are 44" D. Disk brakes. Would be great for weddings! Asking $4200.00

HOME-MADE VIS-À-VIS 5TH WHEEL Black and Grey. Made with marine grade plywood on steel frame. Seats 6 to 7 people; slow-moving sign on rear of vehicle. Has battery and inverter for lights in rear also. Great for country-road rides or training a young team. Easy in and easy out. Steel pole and double-trees are 112" long. Car rubber tires are 13" in front and 15" in the rear. IT Has 3 retro school bus seats on carriage. Size of carriage is 65" wide and 112" long. This is the carriage that I use the most for rides locally. It also has mechanical brakes. No photo at this time. Asking $700.00

MEADOWBROOK CART-Two person Natural wood with deep brown vinyl seats It's been used in competition at fairs, Columbus and Villa Louis - good condition. Shaft length is 82" (There are springs on shafts which take the bounce out of the cart by about 1/2.) (Makes for a very smooth ride.) Shaft width at rear is 35". 45" wheels are in good shape also. Cart has 3" steel lifts to heighten balance; can be removed if horse is smaller. Metal shaft support stand is included with cart. It also has metal slowmoving hazard sign on rear. Asking $900.00

DOCTORS BUGGY - Two person Russet and Tan; top condition-like new Vinyl top is collapsible. Inside shaft width is 38" and shaft length is 74". Front wheels are 40" and rear wheels are 44" Has brakes. Has rear covered storage trunk. Asking $2200.OO

ANTIQUE BOBSLED-Four person Black with red pole and runners I've had the sleigh since 1978, a gift from my Dad. Its supposed to have been built about 1900 but there's no documentation to be had. Seats and cushions are removable, and it has a small tailgate in rear. Pole length is 105" Sleigh has nylon runners added to extend the life of the runners. $650.00 firm. Whom-ever buys the sleigh, will get the fur coat also!

PAIR DRIVING MARES-- 16.3hh pinto warmblood mares with harnesses, including 3 collars. They are about 17 y.o., and have been around, including our rallies. Asking $3,500 for horses and harness, which is biothane/nylon, and 3 collars. Pictured above.

THANK YOU FOR YOUR TIME AND CONSIDERATION-Renee Jimison 715-632-2577 OR 715-556-6546

31313131StStStSt Annual Annual Annual Annual Northwoods Harness Club Northwoods Harness Club Northwoods Harness Club Northwoods Harness Club Sleigh and Cutter RallySleigh and Cutter RallySleigh and Cutter RallySleigh and Cutter Rally

January 14, 2017

Northern Great Lakes Visitor’s Center

29270 County Highway G Ashland, WI

Charlie Singler is steering the rally planning with the help of his capable elves. There are some nice prizes for the division and raffle winners. Please bring a door-prize for the table too! Entry and reservation must be RECEIVED by January 7th to get in on lower tiered dinner ticket prices.

The day pretty much plays out like this: 9:30 Registration opens at milk-house by barn. 11:00 Drivers meeting by same milk-house. Hook-

up any time after. 11:00-12:30 Free sleigh rides for the public. 1:00 National Anthem and Grand March, Youth

Reinsmanship class and division exhibition. Drivers to go in numerical order.

3:00 Hospitality room opens. 4:00 Dinner-early ticket holders served first. 5:30 Awards Presentation in the auditorium. Our hosts, the staff at Northern Great Lakes Visitor’s Center regard this to be an educational event free and open to the public. Our club takes great pride in this, and consider it a privilege to display and promote this beautiful sport in a safe and professional manner.

Sara Jerome driving Ingrid with daughter Callista, winners of the 2016 Best Female Costume award. Photo by Else Bigton

Recently the Rally information and official entry form was sent via email. If you need the form, please email drivingbits@gmail.com

For more information, contact Charlie Singler

at 715-685-4725

Luke’s first sleigh rally, a mere 16 years ago--this year will

make it his 17th! Remember Lester Park? Now those were the days. And someday, so will these. Insert emoji here.

Meeting MinutesMeeting MinutesMeeting MinutesMeeting Minutes DATE: 12-03-16 Frog Creek Town Hall, Minong WI CALL TO ORDER: 3:38pm 23 Adults 4 Youth SECRETARY’S REPORT: Minutes read from November 3rd meeting by Marti Peterson and put on file. TREASURER’S REPORT: Reported by Sue Ahonen, and put on file for audit. ELECTION OF OFFICERS: All current officers finishing their 2nd year. Discussion to change to staggering terms from now on, no action. President Candy Hankins moved to switch positions with Vice-President Janet Martens (absent) next term. Approval to be based on Janet’s acceptance to President. OLD BUSINESS: Library—Jeanette Rantala presented horse books of interest which are available at area libraries. NEW BUSINESS: Sleigh Rally—Charlie Singler reported all on track. Dinner ticket prices go from 10 to 15 dollars after January 7th. Nancy Block donating quilt, Beth Peterson getting a couple bins on wheels for prizes. Advertising in Shopper to be 1/3 inside page. Julie Dahlberg to confirm rooms for judge. May Clinic—Candy Hankins. Looking at weekend after Mother’s Day in May at Iron River Fairgrounds. Planning to commence after our Sleigh Rally. Horse Expo—Connie Johnson. Do we want a vehicle display? Jim Block will do a harness demo again. Connie and Vicki will stop by Diamond Royal tack, hosts, to discuss details and get more info. NEXT MEETING--TBD, either end of January or first week of February. Stay tuned. ADJOURNED: 4:13 pm. Marti Peterson, Secretary

Another Else Bigton photo, Jasper pulls Larry and Liz

Petersen, with granddaughter Cortney at the 2016 Rally. Larry

took home Best Costumed Male.

UpcomingUpcomingUpcomingUpcoming WinterWinterWinterWinter EventsEventsEventsEvents:::: December 29-30—Driving and Horsemanship Clinic hosted by Phil Odden and Else Bigton at their farm in Barronett, WI. 715 468 2780 http://www.norskwoodworks.com January 14—NWHC Sleigh and Cutter Rally in Ashland Wi. Charlie Singler 715-685-4725 February 25—Jean Bergerson Memorial Sleigh Rally, Grand Rapids, Mn. Bobbie Kleffman 218 244-0538 bobbiekleffman@msn.com Sleigh Parties—At Mark/Julie Dahlberg’s and Candy Hankin’s place. Who knows where else. Dates made as conditions are favorable.

Courtesy USDF Bright Days Cozy Nights

Northwoods Harness Club Ltd.

Marti Peterson, Editor 32165 Kjarvick Rd Washburn, WI 54819

TO:

President/Membership: Candis Hankins 44995 South Lake Owen Drive, Cable, WI 54821 715-413-1049 kesscan@gmail.com

Vice-President: Janet Martens 68200 Cty Line Rd., Brule, WI 54820 715-372-4765 jmartens1960@gmail.com

Secretary/Newsletter: Marti Peterson 32165 Kjarvick Rd., Washburn, WI 54891 715-373-5571 dansre@centurytel.net

Treasurer/NCDA: Sue Ahonen 2499 County Rd 314, Brimson, MN 55602 218-638-2123 sahonen@ahonen.com

Ashland Rally: Charlie Singler 68525 Fish Creek Rd., Ashland, WI 54806 715-685-4725 charlie68525@gmail.com

Director at Large: Sheri Houtakker 25176 50th Ave, Cadotte, WI 54727 608-732-0246 sheritomgarden@yahoo.com

Email: drivingbits@gmail.com

Website: northwoods-harness.org Next Meeting: End January or early February…

Join us for our 31st Annual Sleigh and Cutter Rally January 14th in Ashland, WI!!